The heel just fell off from my boots. I got them in the States and they had a good run.

Problem is where do I get a quality pair of womens boots that can take me to the mountains.

We found that ordering stuff from the States and paying the taxes and postage was still a better deal than buying them here.

Of course if something goes wrong then you are snookered, but hopefully that will not happen.

Difficult question, with the climate and topography here. Do stores exist in Lausanne?

I have yet to see the perfect boots... that "take me" to the mountains.
Whew! The inventor would be a millionaire overnight

Really now, there are plenty of discount shoe stores around. Don't waste
your time and money buying in the states and shipping them here. Worst
case, you get a hefty bill for import fees and taxes.

Check out Vögele for example. There are others like Doesenbacher that will
fit just about any budget.

Remember one thing, especially in boots... if you buy cheap, don't expect
them to last a lifetime and/or be comfortable for long walks.

Have fun shopping!

I recommend Sorel. http://www.sorel.com/

I saw some of the Sorel Carribou at Athleticum. Those look like perfect winter boots. I need to buy a pair.

Schaefer sports in the rue St-François is a great shop for mountain gear. They're having a sale:

http://www.schaefer-sports.ch/web/intro.asp

Athleticum in Crissier or at the HyperCasino in Flon may also be worth a shot.

Thanks to everyone. I got my boots at the Athlete store in Lausanne Flon. I tried the place at St. Francois, but they didnt have anything in my size. I have big feet. The sale at St Francois are good in case anyone else is looking, but sizes are going fast.

I didnt realize the world of boots was so varied. I learned about "after ski boots", boots you use after sking. In the states I just would look for a pair that kept me warm and dry.

Also, a salesperson told me you cannot get warm hiking boots for the winter. Apparently, they are not insulated.

If anyone else has something to add about the world of boots I would love to hear. Once again, thanks everyone

... glad you had a good learning experience, and shared it with us!

HNY

Athleticum recently had a sale on Columbia Bugaboo2's for around 70 francs. I bought a pair and I am pretty happy with them.
I wear a US size 12 (47 euro), which is about as big as you can buy without having to go to a store for freaks. I was a little worried about them being a pain in the butt while driving as far as them being a bit clumsy with the clutch, but they work fine.
If I leave the top two eyelets untied, they are easy to slip on and off while changing to ski boots at my car.
They are warm enough for anywhere in Switzerland as long as you are doing any sort of activity, and have good traction.
I grew up in northern Minnesota, and I don't think these would be my choice for spending all day on a frozen lake ice fishing with temperatures down to -50.

Sorel Caribou's are a good warm boot, but they are very clunky and I would not recommend them if you are looking for a pair you can drive with. They also have a fleece top that may look sexy, but has a tendency to collect snow if you walk in the deep stuff. But if warmth is your only criteria, Sorel's are the way to go.

I am searching for a new pair of boots I thought I would get away with my old ones but it looks like the snow is here for a while.

I have super pair of furry boots for walking around the woods. The problem is when I come down from the Zollikerberg to the Seefled area it all gets really refined.
I am searching for a a pair of winter boots that do not look like they need feeding or licence.



I have checked out a few shops and they have told me they are not re ordering though the fact I am looking for size 35 .5 does not help.

I spotted a lovely pair with sparkle princess written in glitter on them, nice and comfy but not the look I was aiming for